"'Yonder, by the pillar,' I whispered, in a fit of ecstasy, for my beautiful unknown in rising had recognized me, and given me another thrilling glance from her dark eyes. "'But there are a score of pillars all around us,' urged the stranger, 'point her out, senor.' "'Well, then,' said I, extending my arm, 'there she is; you can't see her face to be sure, but there can be only one such form in the world. Isn't it splendid?' "'There are so many ladies by the pillar that I cannot tell to a certainty which one you mean,' whispered my would-be informant. Stooping and glancing along my arm with the precision of a Kentucky rifleman, I brought my finger to bear directly upon the head of the unknown, who, as the devil would have it, at this critical juncture turned her head and encountered the deadly aim which we were taking at her. "'That's she,' said I, dropping my arm, which had been sticking out like a pump brake, 'that's she that just now turned about and blushed so like the deuce--do you know her?' "'Yes, but I can't tell you here,' was the laconic reply of my companion; 'come, let's go. You are sure that is the lady,' he continued, when we had gained the street. "'Sure! most certainly; can there be any mistake about that face; besides, didn't you notice how she blushed when she recognized me?' "'Maybe,' suggested my new friend, 'she blushed to see me.' "'Well,' said I, 'I don't know to be sure, but I think that the emotion was on my account; but don't keep me in suspense any longer, tell me who she is; can I get acquainted with her?' "'Softly, softly, my friend, one question at a time. Step aboard my volante, and as we drive down the street I'll give you the information you so much desire. Will you get in?' "I climbed aboard without hesitation, and was followed by my strange friend; the postillion whipped up and we were soon under weigh. "'Now,' resumed my companion, 'in reply to your first and oft-repeated inquiry, I have the honor to inform you that the lady is my only sister. As to your second question--I beg you won't get out--sit still, my dear sir, I will drive you to the _cafe_--your second question I cannot so well answer. It would seem that my sister herself is nothing loth--sit easy, sir, the carriage is perfectly safe--but unfortunately it happens that the gentleman who has the control of her actions, her guardian, dislikes Americans extremely; and I have reason to believe that he has taken a particularly strong antipathy to you. Indeed, I have heard him swear that he'll cut your throat--pardon me, Mr. Stewart, for the expression, it is not my own.' "Surprise overcame my confusion. 'Senor,' cried I, interrupting him, 'it seems you know my name, and--' "'Certainly I do--Mr. Benjamin Stewart, of the ship John Cabot.' "'Senor,' I cried, half angrily, 'since you know my address so well, will you not be so kind as to favor me with yours?'